In this study, the drugs being used are vemurafenib and bevacizumab. Vemurafenib works by blocking a protein called B-RAF. Researchers have found that a large number of melanomas have mutations (changes) in the BRAF gene. The BRAF gene codes for a protein called B-RAF, which is involved in sending signals in cells that can lead to cell growth. Research has determined that mutations in the BRAF gene at the V600 position cause a change in the B-RAF protein that can drive the growth and spread of melanoma cells. Vemurafenib works by preventing these altered B-RAF proteins from working, and thereby may block the growth and spread of cancer cells in patients with melanoma. Information from prior research studies suggests that this drug can shrink melanoma tumors in the majority of patients, delay tumor growth and prolong overall survival relative to standard chemotherapy. As a consequence, vemurafenib received FDA approval in August 2011 for the treatment of patients with B-RAFV600 mutant melanoma.

Bevacizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody (a type of protein that is normally made by the immune system to help defend the body from infection and cancer) directed against vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). VEGF is a potent growth factor with a well-defined role in normal and abnormal blood vessel formation. In the cancer setting, VEGF promotes the growth of blood vessels that bring nutrients to tumor cells. Its expression by the tumor has been associated with worse outcome in patients with a number of tumor types including melanoma. In laboratory experiments, bevacizumab inhibits the growth of several different types of human cancer cells by blocking the effects of VEGF. Bevacizumab has been approved by the FDA for use in combination with first line chemotherapies for treatment of patients with colorectal, breast and lung cancer; however, bevacizumab has not been approved for use in patients with metastatic melanoma.

The purpose of this research study is to determine the effectiveness of using vemurafenib and bevacizumab together relative to vemurafenib alone. This study will investigate whether using both study drugs lengthens the amount of time before a patient's melanoma worsens, increases the number of people whose melanoma responds to treatment and what side effects are associated with the use of both drugs together rather than separately.

Eligibility Criteria (must meet the following to participate in this study)

Metastatic or unresectable stage IIIc & clearly progressive melanoma

Melanoma must be documented to contain a BRAFV600E or BRAFV600K mutation

Measurable disease

No more than 2 prior systemic treatment regimens for distant metastatic disease. The following prior therapy is permitted in either the adjuvant or metastatic setting: immunotherapy consisting of interferon, interleukin-2, GM-CSF, ipilimumab, anti-PD1 or other experimental agent; and cytotoxic chemotherapy consisting of dacarbazine, temozolomide, carboplatin +/- paclitaxel

ECOG performance status of 0, 1, or 2

Exclusions (conditions that would prevent participation in this study)

Pregnant or nursing mothers

Treatment with a prior VEGF pathway, BRAF, or MEK inhibitor(s)

Receipt of any other investigational agents during the period on study or the four weeks prior to entry

Clinical evidence of active brain metastasis

Concurrent uncontrolled malignancies that require therapy or other intervention

Major surgical procedure, open biopsy (excluding skin cancer resection), or significant traumatic injury within 28 days prior to Day 1 or anticipation of need for major surgical procedure during the course of the study

Core biopsy, skin cancer resection, or other minor surgical procedure within 7 days prior to Day 1 of the protocol